Early symptoms of heart failure are often not obvious until the heart has stopped pumping blood efficiently. If you have any of these symptoms, it’s vital to see a doctor immediately. In many cases, heart failure can be diagnosed during a routine physical examination. However, heart failure can also develop after a major heart attack, severe heart valve problem, or prolonged periods of high blood pressure. Symptoms of heart failure can vary from person to person, so it’s important to keep a diary of your symptoms and report any sudden changes to your physician.
Breathlessness
Breathlessness can be one of the most common early signs of heart failure, and it can be extremely frustrating. The good news is that it can be treated and managed. However, if you are constantly choking, it is imperative that you seek medical help right away. Breathlessness can be caused by a number of different causes, including advanced heart failure.
The most common cause of heart failure is a heart attack, but some other factors can also be involved. For example, a person with heart failure may have low red blood cell count, or they may have a small blood vessel that is dilated. In either case, breathlessness may occur even without exertion.
Breathlessness is often accompanied by fatigue. This is because the heart is unable to pump enough blood, leading to shortness of breath. In addition, blood pools around the lungs, increasing the pressure inside the heart. In addition to being a symptom of heart failure, shortness of breath can be caused by many different conditions, including allergies and colds.
Edema
Edema is a common symptom of heart failure and is caused by an abnormal buildup of fluid in the body. It typically affects the legs and feet. Often it is caused by prolonged standing or sitting. But it can also be caused by other conditions, such as liver or kidney failure.
Other symptoms of heart failure include fatigue, weakness, confusion, and dizziness. Some people also experience an irregular heartbeat. As the heart becomes weaker, irregular heartbeats become more common. However, not all patients with heart failure have symptoms. This is because the heart can be severely damaged without showing any noticeable symptoms.
Edema can also be a symptom of a heart attack. If the heart muscle on the left side is damaged, blood can back up into the lungs. The extra fluid causes pulmonary congestion, which in turn causes shortness of breath. In addition, when the heart muscle on the right side is damaged, fluid can accumulate in the feet and legs. In these cases, the person may develop a puffy leg swelling called pitting edema. In some cases, the patient may require treatment in an intensive care unit or a hospital.
Coughing
Coughing can be one of the first signs of heart failure, and it can be a major cause of worry. Unlike coughs caused by allergies, those caused by heart failure tend to be dry, hacking coughs that produce pink frothy mucus. Coughing that is persistent and difficult to control can also be a sign of a fluid buildup in the lungs. Coughing often makes you feel nauseous or tired. It is important to see a physician as soon as possible if you have any of these symptoms.
Other symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath and pulmonary congestion. These symptoms usually occur at rest, but can also happen while you’re active. You may also experience breathlessness while you’re sleeping, and may need to prop your head on two pillows to avoid coughing while you sleep. You may also wake up feeling fatigued or anxious. Fortunately, mild heart failure can often be reversed with the right medication and lifestyle changes. If the problem is caught early enough, Penn’s primary cardiology program can help you reverse the progression of the disease and lead a healthier lifestyle.
Coughing that produces blood-tinged sputum is another common early symptom of heart failure. If you are having difficulty breathing or coughing up blood, your doctor may recommend medicines. These medicines will treat these symptoms and keep your heart functioning at its peak. If the symptoms get worse over time, you should see a doctor or go to the emergency room.
Exhaustion
Many people ignore early symptoms of heart failure, including exhaustion and breathlessness. The symptoms are subtle, but ignoring them is dangerous. The heart pumps half its blood with each beat, and if you’re experiencing these symptoms, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
The heart becomes overworked, and blood is diverted from other parts of the body. This can lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs. This causes exhaustion and weakness, making it difficult to do simple tasks like walking or carrying groceries. Breathlessness can also make you feel anxious. Some of the other symptoms of heart failure include wheezing and persistent cough. Those who have trouble breathing may also experience fluid buildup in the lungs, which causes phlegm that is tinged with blood.
Fortunately, heart failure has no cure, but there are ongoing strategies to help a person with heart failure live a longer and healthier life. Lifestyle changes and medication can reduce the stress on the heart. Managing fluid balance is important, as are regular exercise and stopping smoking. A low-sodium diet and avoiding salt intake are also important steps to maintain good heart health.